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By Bob Goemans
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Pseudochromis

Pseudochromis dilectus

Lubbock, 1976

Esteemed Dottyback, Sri Lanka Dottyback

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Western Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka.

Size: 3 inches (9 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits holes and crevices on rocky and coral reefs and is usually found at depths between 25 – 50 feet (8 – 15 m) where it feeds mainly on small crustaceans.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, and having two color forms – a darkish body with either a brown head or yellowish-green head. Colors vary depending upon area of collection and mating seasons.

Can be maintained in a reef or fish-only aquarium, with either having many rocky hiding places/crevices to investigate or take shelter when needing to do so, as this species is somewhat shy/secretive. Very hardy, yet can be quite aggressive towards smaller tankmates.

As to diet, products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should make up the majority of their diet. Therefore a meaty diet such as enriched chopped fresh fish or shrimp flesh, and/or frozen carnivore foods should be fed once daily.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Percoidei

    Family: Pseudochromidae

    Subfamily: Pseudochrominae

    Genus: Pseudochromis

FYI: Not safe with small ornamental crustaceans.

Since they are extremely fast moving and secretive, if having to remove it from a reef aquarium with many hiding areas, it would be a major task!

One per aquarium.

    Experience Level: Intermediate

    Temperament: Semi-aggressive

    Diet: Carnivore

    Coral Safe: Yes

    Fish Safe: With caution

    Invertebrate Safe: With caution

    Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

    Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

    Tankmates: Peaceful

    Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons

    Temperature Range: 72 - 81°F (22 – 27°C)

    Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

    pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Pseudochromis dilectus (Esteemed Dottyback, Sri Lanka Dottyback)
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